Byrne seeks common sense in U-21 final row

Livid Galway hurling officials have written to the management committee of the GAA asking them to overturn a decision by the CCCC to stage their U-21 All-Ireland decider meeting with Tipperary in Thurles.

Livid Galway hurling officials have written to the management committee of the GAA asking them to overturn a decision by the CCCC to stage their U-21 All-Ireland decider meeting with Tipperary in Thurles.

Galway Hurling Board chairman Joe Byrne said that staging the game in Semple Stadium gave Tipperary an unfair advantage.

Galway officials had to make representations to Croke Park officials when it emerged that the final was scheduled for Thurles.

The GAA confirmed on Monday that the game would go ahead at Semple Stadium on Saturday week under floodlights at 7.0, despite Tipperary being in the final.

"We are asking the management committee to reconsider the decision and to move the game to a neutral venue," Byrne said yesterday.

"We feel it is very unfair on us to have to go and take Tipperary on not only in their home venue, but where they train. We have nothing against the venue and Galway teams have always enjoyed playing in Semple Stadium, but it is an entirely different matter taking on Tipperary there in an All-Ireland final.

"It is very disheartening, especially after making representations, that the game has been fixed for Thurles, not least as there are plenty of neutral venues such as Limerick, Portlaoise and Tullamore, some of which have floodlights as well.

"We are very disappointed by this and are looking for the powers that be to see common sense and play this game at a neutral venue."